NEW VIDEO - Crossing Michigan for Margy's Transplant

Here is a video of Knut Crossing Michigan to raise support and money for Margy's Transplant.


Special thanks to Bonnie Baker for giving us permission to use the beautiful song she co-wrote with Paul Sikes called "The Extra Mile." There is a version of this movie on YouTube too.

Day 6 (Snowstorm)

Day 6 of Crossing Michigan for Margy's Transplant was snowy!

I skied from the city of Grayling to Bear Lake. 20 miles covered today, 121 miles total since leaving Lake Huron. The weather was a well forecasted winter storm; 14 - 23 ' F (4 - 11 ' F windchill), with heavy snow. Snow fell at a rate of up to 1-2 inches an hour, and 8 inches of new powder piled up before I stepped off my skis. The route was almost all snowmobile and atv trails through pine forest, some of which was shared by Shore to Shore Trail. Lots of snowmobilers out. I had to listen carefully and get ready to step off the trail frequently so I didn't end up under a bear cat. Fresh snow and my third pair of used skis this trip (thank you REI!) made for fast conditions. My arms and legs are tired after pushing it hard today. As hard as it feels to keep pushing, I know my challenge is nothing compared to what Mom must feel everyday. See more Day 6 photos and map here.

Knut Passed the Halfway Point

This past weekend, Knut passed the half way point on his effort to "cross Michigan". You can read about the legs of his trek so for by visiting his updates. The time, physical and mental effort that he is putting into this is incredible. Thanks Knut! As for me, I continue to do well while waiting for the doctors to retest me to determine when we can once again begin preparations for the transplant. It is truly a test in patience. Thank you to everyone for their continued support! It is very uplifting and greatly contributes to my ability to tackle each day.

Day 5, Halfway across Michigan!

Skied to Grayling from M-72 (near the south branch of the Au Sable River). Covered 24 miles today, my longest day so far. Whew! That means I passed the 100 mile mark, 101 miles total! I also crossed Interstate-75 so I am more than half-way across the state :^) Today's weather was: 16 - 27 ' F, with light snow. It was a very long, slow day. Over 9 hours on hard ice and snow with a few unplanned side tracks to find the route. I started on ungroomed shore to shore trail through woods. Then I lost the trail because it wasn't marked well and the path on the ground was covered in snow. I picked up local roads, and then got back on trail which followed more back roads and atv trails to finish. I need new skis again though as the second pair are already really beat up. I don't think they are long enough for my weight plus a medium sized pack, so I will ask REI for another pair. They have been great!

Another transfusion

Yesterday Margy had another transfusion. This makes a total of 12 units since this began back in October. Transfusions take several hours and every transfusion brings with it the possibility of risks. The medication she is taking lowers her blood counts even more than usual. It is common for people undergoing cancer treatment to need transfusions. Keep her in your thoughts.

Support Groups for Patients and Their Families with Cancer

If you are a cancer patient, family member, or caregiver for someone who has cancer, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) holds support groups. LLS has chapters all over the U.S. I attended one and found it immensely helpful. Not only is it good to know you are not alone in fighting cancer, but it is helpful to learn about other resources you may not know are available to you. Where I live there are several groups in my metro region, each of which hold support groups. To find a support group near you, visit http://lls.org to get the number of your local chapter.

Thanks for your encouragement

Thanks to everyone for so much support and encouragement during my trek across Michigan. A friend from Alaska, obviously used to the cold, just wrote: "Hope you don't freeze anything important" :^) Thanks again everyone.

Next Crossing Day Planned

Had to take a few days off because I didn't have anyone to take care of Bekan, my 22 month old. I plan to hit the trail again this weekend for another real long day. Might have to play it by ear with the weather to see if Saturday or Sunday's better. Saturday's forecast is actually for showers up north! Being wet on slippy trails with temps in the mid-30's all day could be dangerous . . .